Photo of Vietnamese police officer makes top list of entries at UN Photo Contest

The photo of Major Nguyen The Anh, a Vietnamese police officer at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (UNPMS) in South Sudan, has been shortlisted in the international photo contest “UN Staff at Work”.

The international photo contest received nearly 800 entries, capturing images of more than 300 UN officials and staff working in more than 80 countries, representing more than 50 agencies, missions and organizations across the system.

Among the 80 selected works is a photo by Major Nguyen The Anh, capturing a community outreach activity in the capital Juba, South Sudan. This activity took place in coordination between the Vietnamese military and peacekeeping police. This is a worthy recognition from the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Photographers Association for Major The Anh's efforts and contributions.

Impressive photo by Major Nguyen The Anh.

From South Sudan, Major The Anh shared: “When I went down to the Atlabara residential area in the capital Juba, I saw Captain Vu Nguyet Anh - a Vietnamese female military observer at UNMISS holding a South Sudanese girl and talking. The girl looked at the female officer and smiled with trust and friendliness. What was special was that the girl really liked wearing the Vietnamese red flag with yellow star shirt. Captain Nguyet Anh also gave candy and washed her hands. At that moment, I naturally captured those very ordinary moments.”

Major The Anh submitted a photo and presentation to the contest in July 2025 and recently received good news from the Organizing Committee. Not only the photo but also the presentation was highly appreciated for highlighting the contributions and presence of the UN on a global scale, in diverse fields and contexts.

Major Nguyen The Anh's photo was shown on the main stage at the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition in Osaka, Japan.

At the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan (taking place from March to October 2025), Major The Anh's photo was introduced on the main stage while the choir performed. This presentation was highly appreciated by international audiences for its artistic effect.

“I am very proud that the simple moments I captured have brought the image of Vietnam to the world, in a major event celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. This is not only a personal joy, but also a recognition of the contributions of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force,” Major Nguyen The Anh shared.

Through the lens of Major Nguyen The Anh, Captain Vu Nguyet Anh is instructing local women in Juba on how to properly wash children's hands.

Not stopping at the World Exhibition EXPO 2025, the photos will continue to be displayed online and widely disseminated on many international media platforms, making it easy for the public around the world to access. That means the image of Vietnam with the spirit of peace- loving, benevolent and responsible will be increasingly affirmed and spread.

The photo carries a message of love and sharing, vividly depicting the image of a kind and dedicated Vietnamese female peacekeeper. This is a small story among countless stories about UN staff and their efforts in solving global challenges, in line with the theme of the World Expo 2025: "Unite for a better future".

Engaged action is at the heart of UN peacekeeping, helping to build lasting trust and bring hope to families affected by conflict.

Major Nguyen The Anh takes photos and talks with children in South Sudan on duty.

Major Nguyen The Anh and Task Force No. 4 will depart for South Sudan to take up their duties in June 2024. He is currently the Head of the Emergency Operations and Database Support Center, UNMISS Mission Police Headquarters, South Sudan. Together with his international colleagues, he is actively contributing to UN peacekeeping operations.

The impressive photo by Major The Anh was shortlisted for the most representative works in the photo contest with the presentation information: “From the first strange look of a South Sudanese child when meeting a person from another country, to the closeness through caring and loving gestures. Captain Vu Nguyet Anh, a female military observer at UNMISS, gently comforts a local girl during a community outreach activity in the capital Juba, South Sudan. As a female UN peacekeeping officer from Vietnam, she contributes to connecting cultures and building trust for children affected by conflict, demonstrating the UN's spirit of compassion and hope for a better life for people around the world.”

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/buc-anh-cua-si-quan-cong-an-viet-nam-lot-top-nhung-tac-pham-hang-dau-tai-cuoc-thi-anh-cua-lien-hop-quoc-post295581.html